Fostering Literacy in South Vancouver

South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH) is making a difference by helping children improve their reading skills. SVNH is one of 19 Fostering Literacy sites in BC, offering after-school tutoring to provide local elementary students with the extra support they need.

“We noticed a gap in our services for K-3 children,” said Anthony Lai, Youth and Preteen Programmer at SVNH. “The Fostering Literacy program fills that need. The program also gives youth volunteers the opportunity to work with children. With the help of many wonderful youth volunteers, we have built a strong connection with these preteens.”

Katie Luk, a 15-year-old volunteer tutor, shared her experience.

“When I first started working with one student, she would forget the pronunciation of the corrected word if it appeared again in the book,” said Katie. “But by the end of the program, she remembered what she said wrong and managed to say it right the next time. She’s now willing to read a wider variety of books.”

“Knowing I played a part in their growth just makes me feel really happy,” she said. “Just seeing the smiles on their faces as they leave was the biggest reward I could get.”

In addition to reading practice, the teens work on building the children’s confidence.

“I noticed that as the kids got used to their volunteer tutor, they got more in touch with their reading,” said 16-year-old volunteer tutor Maisarah Ali. “They would start out very quiet and I helped them come out of their shells.”

Parents are seeing the benefits of the program.

“This is a concrete activity that allows our children to have a fulfilling and happy learning environment after school. David shared with me after participating in this term that he likes reading, writing and drawing with volunteers, and also likes to play games together. His younger sister, Haley, is a relatively quiet child. She has made friends and improved her social skills by participating in the activity. Thank you for your support.”
– Fengzhen Huang, parent of student in SVNH’s Fostering Literacy Program

“Being able to see the preteens learn and grow, watching their interests change as the months go by, and slowly seeing them want to read more after being so reluctant in the past inspires me to continue the program,” said Anthony.

Decoda relies on the generosity of individual donors and private foundation to support Fostering Literacy. Please make a gift today!

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